Life brings change into our homes: from new babies to curious toddlers, distracted teens, empty nesters and aging adults. Each stage requires different needs and safety measures, especially when it comes to bathrooms. We consulted multiple sources, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to create this comprehensive list of 46 bathroom safety tips.
- Store cords away from water sources.
- Install slip resistant flooring.
- Update wiring in old homes/bathrooms.
- Install childproof tub and sink knobs.
- Keep your home’s water temp at or below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cap electrical outlets with safety covers.
- Avoid using space heaters or extension cords in the bathroom.
- Lock up cleaning supplies, prescriptions, and OTC medicines.
- Secure hampers so they can’t topple over onto little ones.
- Secure laundry shoots so little ones can’t climb in and fall.
- Lock garbage cans underneath a cabinet or install a child-proof lid.
- Install good lighting and night lights.
- Avoid glare by using soft white bulbs.
- Install a handheld showerhead so users of all sizes and abilities can bathe safely.
- Install a cushioned tub edge to prevent injuries from a slip or fall.
- Use non-slip mats in the tub and shower to help prevent slipping on wet surfaces.
- Use an infant tub for little ones, but remember that
- Infant bathtubs or bath seats are not a replacement for you. If you use them, always keep your eyes and hands on your child.
- If the infant seat or tub tilts or shifts while being used, discard it.
- Always test water before placing a child in the bath or shower, and
- Never leave your baby unattended, even for a second.
- Don’t leave them in the care of an older child, either. Children aren’t equipped to recognize signs of drowning and may be easily distracted.
- Equip your faucet with an anti-scald device.
- Keep toilet lids shut and use toilet locks to keep curious toddlers out.
- Keep electronic appliances out of reach. And make sure those you use contain immersion protection devices.
- Use battery-powered candles versus traditional to avoid fire hazards.
- If you must use traditional candles, be sure to blow out after each use and store candles and lighters/matches out of reach of curious hands.
- Be sure that all outlets in your bathroom are GFCI-protected—test once a month.
- Unplug and store appliances not in use.
- Completely empty the tub before leaving the bathroom – babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.
- 70% of aging adults use shower features such as a towel bar or the glass shower door to help steady themselves when getting out of the shower or onto the toilet. This can cause series falls and injuries. Instead, install weight-bearing grab bars near the shower, tub, and toilet.
- Add a seamless shower seat for safety and stability.
- Install a raised toilet seat for family members with limited mobility.
- Clean frequently to rid the bathroom of the soap scum and mildew that can make slippery-prone surfaces even slicker.
- Consider a walk-in shower. Not only are they trendy right now, but their no-lip entry makes them an ideal universal design solution for people of all ages and abilities.
- Re-install towel bars and hooks out of reach of toddlers, who might use them to try their hand at climbing.
- Keep sharp objects such as razor blades and scissors out of reach of little hands.
- Ditch throw rugs in favor of slip-resistant surfaces.
- Hire an electrician to install ground-fault electrical outlets.
- Use a weighted shower curtain to help keep water off the bathroom floor.
- Check to be sure that all towel racks, toilet paper holders, mirrors, medicine cabinets, grab bars, shelving and vanities are securely attached.
- If you’re an older adult or have limited mobility, consider a walk-in tub. Modern walk-in tubs offer thoughtful design features such as door handles that are easy to operate, faucets that are easy to reach and use, and comfortable slide-in seats that accommodate users of all abilities.
- Place essentials within easy reach.
- Avoid using bath oils in the shower or tub.
- Install a bathroom door that swings out rather than in. That way, if a fall does occur, help can easily access the bathroom.
- Teach toddlers to sit – not stand or jump – in the tub.
All of us can benefit from paying attention to safety, and a thoughtfully designed space that keeps safety in mind can benefit every member of your family. Re-Bath makes it easy to turn your dreams into reality, with a bathroom that’s as safe as it is stunning.
Learn more about our proprietary process and schedule your free in-home design consultation today!
[1] https://www.uofmhealth.org/news/907bath-falls-common-among-older-adults